Research Machines LINK 480Z

The LINK 480Z condensed Research Machines’ school-computer experience into a keyboard-sized Z80 system. It could work as a cassette or floppy computer, but many schools used diskless 480Z terminals linked to a shared file server over the company’s CHAIN network.

Early machines used a black metal case and later versions adopted cream plastic. Bank-switched memory and optional high-resolution colour graphics made the compact 480Z more capable than its appearance suggested.

Notable Features

• Integrated keyboard and computer replaced the 380Z’s rack-style enclosure.
• Could boot without local disks across the proprietary 800 kbit/s CHAIN network.
• Optional high-resolution board expanded both graphics and bank-switched memory.

Historical Significance

• Designed specifically around the needs of networked British classrooms.
• Provided a lower-cost successor to the 380Z while preserving familiar RM software and support.

Collector’s Notes

• Black metal and later cream plastic cases are both authentic production styles.
• Network installations often relied on external RM disk servers, so standalone survivors may lack storage hardware.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Research Machines LINK 480Z
Manufacturer	Research Machines
Launched	Friday, January 1, 1982
Discontinued	Around 1985
Launch Price	Approximately £550
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	ROM BASIC; CP/M; CP/NOS network operating system
I/O	Cassette, serial, parallel, expansion and 800 kbit/s CHAIN network
Keyboard	Integrated full-size keyboard
Storage	Cassette, external 5.25-inch floppy or network file server
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	Optional 640x192 monochrome, 320x192 four-level or 160x96 sixteen-level graphics
Display	40x24 or 80x24 text
ROM	ROM BASIC and network boot firmware
RAM	32KB or 64KB standard; bank-switched expansion to 128KB or 256KB
CPU Speed	4 MHz